Toshiba “Firmly Committed” to HD DVD Despite Warner Move

Toshiba is "firmly committed" to the HD DVD format, even after Warner Bros.' decision to exclusively release its titles on the competition Blu-ray Disc starting in May, company representatives said at a press conference today at CES.

"We are surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD later in the year," said Akio Ozaka, president and CEO of Toshiba.

"We remain firm in the belief that HD DVD is the [preferred] format for consumers."

Jodi Sally, VP of marketing for Toshiba's Digital AV group, said that the past few days have been difficult for HD DVD, especially with the number of "pundits" and members of the media saying that Warner's decision effectively ends the format war.

"Clearly the events of the last few days have led many of you to [the conclusion that HD DVD is dead,]" she said.

Sally, who normally delivers energetic and upbeat speeches, was noticeably restrained and expressed her "disappointment" in Warner Bros.' decision.

Toshiba's press conference, which featured product introductions for the company's LCD TVs and Regza line, touched on HD DVD much less than in previous press conferences at CEDIA Expo and CES.

The company did not have a question-and-answer session, normally a staple for the press conferences at CES.

Warner isn't the only studio making the move to Blu-ray, as porn studio Digital Playground is releasing its first title on the format after previously supporting HD DVD.

At the press conference, Toshiba introduced 13 new Regza models, the company's line of LCD flat panels.